Phil's £4000 marathon

EXCLUSIVE> CNC student Philip Bates, a former RS student, ran the recent London Marathon. Phil, currently enjoying a third year at the college, had not run a marathon before. He completed the course in little over four hours.

Phil, who ran with his father, a local teacher, travelled to London to register on the previous day. After the Saturday night ‘Pasta Party' and a night in a hotel, he joined the rest of the runners at the start line.

Speaking exclusively to Ex-Newman News, Philip said he was undoubtedly helped by his dad, who had run the Marathon several times before. He also told ENN that it would be easier in future, because he would be more aware of how far there was still to go. Phil hit the infamous ‘wall' after 19 miles.

ENN asked him if he ran the marathon in fancy dress. "No," he replied. "I'll do a couple more before I try that!". Phil and his dad ran the race for charity, and between them raised an outstanding £4000.

What about the future? "I'm doing a half-marathon in September - the Great North Run," Philip told us. As well as doing London again, he also intends to widen his horizons. "I'd like to do New York, but Greece is the place to do it." he said. "That's where it all started."